Overview
The MAX232 is a dual driver/receiver integrated circuit designed to meet or exceed the TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU recommendation V.28 standards. It is manufactured by Texas Instruments and is widely used for serial communication interfaces. The device includes a capacitive voltage generator that allows it to operate from a single 5V power supply, generating the necessary voltage levels for RS-232 communication.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Max | Unit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCC Input Supply Voltage | -0.3 | 6 | V | |
| VS+ Positive Output Supply Voltage | VCC - 0.3 | 15 | V | |
| VS- Negative Output Supply Voltage | -0.3 | -15 | V | |
| VI Input Voltage (Driver) | -0.3 | VCC + 0.3 | V | |
| VI Input Voltage (Receiver) | ±30 | V | ||
| VO Output Voltage (Driver) | VS- - 0.3 | VS+ + 0.3 | V | |
| VO Output Voltage (Receiver) | -0.3 | VCC + 0.3 | V | |
| Operating Free-Air Temperature | 0 | 70 | °C | |
| Data Rate | 120 kbit/s | |||
| Supply Current | 8 mA |
Key Features
- Meets or exceeds TIA/EIA-232-F and ITU recommendation V.28 standards.
- Operates from a single 5V power supply with 1µF charge-pump capacitors.
- Two drivers and two receivers.
- Accepts ±30V input levels.
- Low supply current: 8mA typical.
- ESD protection exceeds JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model (A114-A), with some versions offering up to ±15kV HBM protection.
- Each receiver converts TIA/EIA-232-F inputs to 5V TTL/CMOS levels.
Applications
- TIA/EIA-232-F compliant systems.
- Battery-powered systems.
- Terminals and modems.
- Computers and other serial communication devices.
Q & A
- What is the MAX232 used for?
The MAX232 is used for serial communication interfaces, converting TTL/CMOS levels to RS-232 levels and vice versa.
- What is the power supply requirement for the MAX232?
The MAX232 operates from a single 5V power supply with 1µF charge-pump capacitors.
- How many drivers and receivers does the MAX232 have?
The MAX232 has two drivers and two receivers.
- What is the maximum data rate supported by the MAX232?
The MAX232 supports up to 120 kbit/s data rate.
- What kind of ESD protection does the MAX232 offer?
The MAX232 offers ESD protection exceeding JESD 22 – 2000V Human-body model, with some versions offering up to ±15kV HBM protection.
- What are the typical input and output voltage levels for the MAX232 receivers?
The receivers have a typical threshold of 1.3V and can accept ±30V inputs, converting them to 5V TTL/CMOS levels.
- What is the operating temperature range for the MAX232?
The operating free-air temperature range for the MAX232 is 0°C to 70°C.
- How much supply current does the MAX232 typically consume?
The MAX232 typically consumes 8mA of supply current.
- Can the MAX232 be used in battery-powered systems?
Yes, the MAX232 is suitable for battery-powered systems due to its low power consumption.
- What are some common applications of the MAX232?
Common applications include TIA/EIA-232-F compliant systems, terminals, modems, and computers.
